See and I thought they were getting better. They’re talking a lot less over the program IMHO.I say that a LOT when Tara's around.
On the flip side, IMO her dress was fabulous and she looked great in it!
I agree about Ilia. Young athletes can begin to believe the hype and need a reality check. Nathan’s horrible 2018 Olympics helped him become a smarter and even more skilled skater. I think Ilia will learn from this experience.
I don’t think we will ever know this for sure.Didn't the USFed ask Brown to come to Nationals in the hope to get a spot for worlds and with Ilia, secure the 3 spots for men at 2024 worlds? I read this on this board... If that's true, it would be quite counterproductive to not send him based on... the criteria..
To her credit, she DID. She said only 1 or 2 more things and then let the program speak for itself. And I agree - they are much better.
Didn't the USFed ask Brown to come to Nationals in the hope to get a spot for worlds and with Ilia, secure the 3 spots for men at 2024 worlds? I read this on this board... If that's true, it would be quite counterproductive to not send him based on... the criteria..
Well said.
No, that is Dave Lease's fever dream. Although anything is possible, I have heard this bizarro theory nowhere else.
And if it concerns Jason, chances are I have heard it.
OK
Overall, you're probably right. I still miss Peggy Fleming, who had/has such a lovely speaking voice. She was great at knowing when to talk and when to let the skating speak for itself.
Gotta try to be more objective going forward.
Jason went to Nats because:
fair enough... too bad he chose Josh Groban because that is not a gift for meIf Jason were going with the intent to earn a World spot, yes.
But, having read every single interview with Jason on the subject,
1. after JO he felt he could compete without training all year, which he had no intention of doing.
2. he did not want his last competition to be Oly qualifier or without an audience (COVID). He wanted to give back to the audience.
3. He has said in several intreviews: medals, I don't care, this is for me, for going out on my terms (although he would not confirm going out) and for performing in front of an audience which I love.
Jason can be close lipped, but he does not fabricate.
Dave Lease's rumors on the other hand
HA ! 
You're correct. With the current scoring system, Edge Quality, Posture, Speed, and Choreography, don't carry enough scoring points to get Jason over a skater like Ilia. It is a shame though. Jason looks fast on TV which means he must be amazing to see in Person. His Ice Coverage, Intricate-Difficult Steps aren't enough to get past the Tech Score that Ilia gets. I think its very telling that Jason gets standing ovations. Big Standing Ovations. At this point in his career, I doubt he plans on doing a quad before he retires.
If Jason were going with the intent to earn a World spot, yes.
But, having read every single interview with Jason on the subject,
1. after JO he felt he could compete without training all year, which he had no intention of doing.
2. he did not want his last competition to be Oly qualifier or without an audience (COVID). He wanted to give back to the audience without external pressure.
3. He has said in several intreviews: medals, I don't care, this is for me, for going out on my terms (although he would not confirm going out) and for performing in front of an audience which I love.
Jason can be close lipped, but he does not fabricate.
Dave Lease's rumors on the other hand
Let’s all follow Ashley Cains advice and boycott TSl.If Jason were going with the intent to earn a World spot, yes.
But, having read every single interview with Jason on the subject,
1. after JO he felt he could compete without training all year, which he had no intention of doing.
2. he did not want his last competition to be Oly qualifier or without an audience (COVID). He wanted to give back to the audience without external pressure.
3. He has said in several intreviews: medals, I don't care, this is for me, for going out on my terms (although he would not confirm going out) and for performing in front of an audience which I love.
Jason can be close lipped, but he does not fabricate.
Dave Lease's rumors on the other hand
fair enough... too bad he chose Josh Groban because that is not a gift for me
In any case, if he wanted audience love, he certainly got it today... I mean, every single move in the field he did was met with oohhhhs and ahhhhs. It must have been very thrilling for him to give back to such an enthusiastic audience. It was a nice skate.
If you can find the video, you should watch young Samuel Mindra. He is an upcoming talent who mashed up a Chopin Nocturne with Andy Williams' Love Story.
Poor Josh Groban.
I actually did not find it offensive, but I was in the minority.
Yes I miss Peggy. Uncle Dick as well.Overall, you're probably right. I still miss Peggy Fleming, who had/has such a lovely speaking voice. She was great at knowing when to talk and when to let the skating speak for itself.
Maybe it's just that in the past she yammered so much that now I get triggered just hearing her voice?
He was great.Poor Josh Groban.
I actually did not find it offensive, but I was in the minority.
The game was well in hand. Have you been following him long? He’s a former junior medalist.I left "the game" to watch three skaters live: Samuel, Andrew T. and Jason.
Samuel captured my heart this weekend.
